In many College and University environments, politics and fashion are top priorities. At Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's) these two components of a "rememberable" college career seem to take precedence over others. Not saying that fashion and politics are areas in which students should not focus their attention, but when the fashion becomes political then there may be a mix up in priorities. Let's be honest after we have long graduated from Spelman College, we may forget about who was crowned "Miss Sophomore" or "Miss Pre-Alumni Council", but we may be less likely to forget about the girl from the "Bay Area" who refused to wear anything other than Vans and tank tops, or the girl who always walked into class late making extra noise with her heels.
Because most of the things at our school are political is it safe to say that fashion predetermines some of our most sought out chairs in office, or those across the street at Morehouse College? Since when did the height of our shoes become the level of hierarchy? I do not know when this began but I feel it is safe to say that it will not end soon. Do "Spelmanites" have to wear heels to campus everyday? Absolutely not. There is no model of the All American Spelmanite and even if there was one she may be pictured in some nice flats because she is bustling on her way to change yet, another part of the world. This goes for all Spelman students, including those on courts and not.
At the end of the first day of classes this August there was quite a discrepancy about a certain women who held a prestigious college position (in the AUC) who wore flats. She did not think it was a big deal and neither did I. She went to her classes that first day and immediately began to implement the platform with which she had been voted into her new position. At the end of the day she made progress and represented the college well, guess some would prefer the physical representation more than anything else. This is ridiculous to me that the work one of our Spelman Sisters does is measured by what she is wearing when she does it, instead of the actual work itself. No Spelmanite, no woman should be required or pressured to wear high heeled shoes, if she chooses not to. Give that most women who wear heels do it as confidence boosters or to get attention, we shouldn't try to force that upon each other, or allow men to do it either. In the "American Demographics" by Diane Crispell 72 % of the women that wear heels today say that they are very uncomfortable when compared to other shoes. 43 % of women agree that they wear they to look slimmer and 40% say the wear them to get mens attention. These two reasons may be good for some but not for all, so I say wear your heels if you want but do not be afraid to change into your flats. If flats will help you make it to that 11:00 am class when you just arrived on campus at 10:55 then by all means wear them! Women are not required to conform to the models and examples even we have set for each other, which means we are not required to wear shoes that make us look slimmer but feel pain. The next time your Morehouse Brother or Spelman Sister ask you why you are wearing flats, you turn and ask them: Could you walk a mile in my shoes, literally and mentally? Spelman Women are interested in changing the world, not the world of fashion.
Crispell, Diane. "Having High Heels -Will Limp." May 1997. Web. 8 Sept. 2009.
6 comments:
I thought this was a good argument. However, I believe that the author has failed to see the majority of the students in the AUC. Most girls do not wear heels to school. A good friend of mine is in a pageant right now, who I know for a fact, NEVER wears heels. Although the author makes valid points, I am not so sure her sample of Spelman women is accurate. More women at Spelman wear flats than heels.
I think that Spelman tries to make create the epitome of a Spelman woman. At orientation we were instructed to wear business atire, and uphold ourselves in the best way. We often hear "you are a Spelman woman". I don't believe that heels makes a difference, but fashion is a big deal. I feel that being at an all girl school, fashion sometimes take precidence. I personally do not wear heels, but dress appropriately for the occasion.
--shanika
Spelman women are known for being beautiful, intelligent, well-spoken and well-dressed. Whether or not someone chooses to buy into the Spelman mystique is their business. But we do have to remember that Spelman is a traditional school. We all wear white dresses and black high heel shoes on special days like Founder's Day. Also as female professionals, we are often encouraged to wear high heels but it is by no means a requirement and there is nothing written that you have to wear stilettos.
I will say that fashion is an indicator of status and influence. People in positions of power are obligated to present themselves in a certain light in order to gain people's confidence. A well dressed person is more likely to get elected than a person who may not be as well-dressed. Fashion is important. Why else would first lady Michelle Obama wear the clothing that she wears?
As it applies to Spelman, no, it's not fair to overlook someone because they don't look like they're about to walk down the runway. And as struggling students, we cannot all afford to "dress to the nines". But I am certain that plenty of young women who didn't have the best clothes were able to attain the positions that they sought after.
Going to Spelman College, one must keep into consideration that there IS a certain social hierarchy. So, if you want to wear flats, be sure to highlight your best attributes rather than using the type of shoe you wear as a reason for your failed attempts.
i though it was a good argument too but regarding HER she knew what the deal was. She knew that those guys have certain expectations.
I agree with Isis' comment 100%. Spelman women are known for being beautiful, intelligent, well-spoken and well-dressed. That's what we knew since day 1. We knew that since orientation. If you are going to wear flats, rock them right.
-J.Sadat
Ms. Wilkerson, I enjoyed reading your blog. Although every individual is not held up to this ideal "Spelmanite" I can see how individuals that hold prestigious college position can be held to uphold certain looks. I agree with you that a woman should not be judged by the type of shoes that they wear.
By: Raavin R Evans
I definitely understand where you are coming from. There were many times last year as a freshman I felt overwhelmed with the pressures of wearing heels and dresses to class like my upper classmen counterparts. Even though I no longer feel that pressure it is a shame that some people still might. I do not, however agree with your claim that most women wear heels to boost their self confidence or get attention from men. I do not wear heels for either of those reasons. At first I thought that you were just using your own opinion to support your argument, but then I saw that you used statistics from a reputable source. As much as I disagree…the numbers don’t lie and they definitely make your argument a lot stronger.
BriElla Nelson
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